Pipe organ



`July 28, 1936. Q 5, NQRBURN 2,049,077

PIPE ORGAN July 28, 1936. v Q Q NQRBURN 2,049,077

PUE oRGAN Filed oct. 29, 1935 2 sheets-sheet 2 Patented July 28, 1936 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE PIPE ORGAN Charles S. Norburn, Asheville, N. C.

Application October 29, A1935, Serial No. 47,303

2o Claims'.

This invention relates to pipe organs and more particularly to combination stopsetters for use in electrically operated pipe organs.

The simpler forms of pipe organs include a plurality of tablets or plungers which are individually moved bythe player to select the stop or stops that are to be used. Various forms of mechanisms have been devised which permit the player to set up the several combinations of stops that are to be used during the playing of a selection, and to bring each preselected combination into operation at the proper time by a single plunger or control button. In general, such prior combination stop-Setters have been open to the objection that they did not provide a visual indication of the particular stopsy that were set up rfor each of the several control buttons, and this condition could easily lead to mistakes in passing from one combination to another. Some of the prior systems have provided iixed combinations for the control buttons and, when a different combination was required, the player was forced to resort to the previous method of individually actuating each of the main stop tablets or buttons. A further objection to the prior devices has been their complexity which, obviously, resulted in relatively expensive constructions.

An object of the present invention is to provide a combination stop-setter which is of simple and relatively inexpensive construction. An object is to provide a combination stop-setter that is substantially noiseless in operation and which, if desired, may be adjusted prior to the turning on of the power for placing the organ in operation. A further object is to provide a combination stop-setter including a plurality of combination keys or buttons, and a plurality of members, adjustable prior to or during the playing of a selection, for determining the particular stops associated with each of the combination keys. A further object is to provide a combination stopsetter including a plurality of combination control plungers and adjustable devices which determine rthe stops associated with each control plunger, the devices being located o n the organ panel to aiord a continuous visual indication of the stops that are controlled by each combination plunger. More particularly, an object of the in- Evention is to provide a combination stop-setter including a plurality of setting switches arranged in groups or rows which each include one switch for each stop, and a plurality of manually adjustable multiple switches, each multiple switch corresponding to one of the groups or rows and including a switch in series with each setting switch of that group or row; the circuit connections between the current source and the several stop actions thus forming a network in which the multiple switches may be selectively actuated to bring into operation those stops corresponding to the setting switches that were closed in the row or group with which that multiple switch is associated. Still another object is to provide a combination stop-setter that maybe added to the known systems of individually operated stop tablets or buttons without change in the original system or, if desired, with but simple changes in the prior wiring to permit use of the original stop tablets or buttons as an additional combination. t

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specifications when taken with the accompanying drawings in which: y

Fig. 1 is a circuit diagram of an embodiment of the invention, the view also including a somewhat schematic View of one stop and its associated parts;

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the portion of the organ panel on which the manually operated control members are located; D

Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken substantially on line 3--3of Fig. 2; and y,

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the combination switches.

In the drawings, the reference characters A, B, :30

drawings show a stop such as described and 40 claimed in my copending application Serial No. 40,977, led Sept. 17,l 1935. l o

The organ chest I is supplied with air under pressure from a blower through a conduit `2, and

the beam 3, stop slide 4 and the several pipe action 45 bars 5 are mounted within the chest. The illustrated bank of pipes 6 areall controlled by the stop slide 4 and other banks of pipes are associated with other stops and, as is well known, all corresponding pipes are controlled by a single pipe 50 action 5. The pipe actions are operated by the organ keys and the stops are operated by energizing the magnets Ma, Mb, etc. As illustrated, the stop .slidef4 is normally held in closed position by a spring 'l as the air pressure at opposite sides 55 of the bellows 8 is balanced so long as the valve 9 is seated against the venting outlet of the passage I0. The valve 9 is the armature, or is actuated by the armature, of the magnet and, when the magnet is energized, is displaced to block communication between passage I0 and the air chest, and to vent the passage I0 and the bellows to atmosphere. The pressure within the chest collapses the bellows 8 and thus moves to the stop slide 4 to bring the openings in the beam 3 and slide 4 into alinement. The depressing of the organ keys then operates, through circuits and mechanism not shown, to open the pipe valves of the pipe action bars 5 corresponding to the depressed keys, thus playing the pipes associated with the actuated stop or stops.

In accordance with this invention, a simple electrical network is provided to enable the player to bring preselected groupings of stops into action by the movement of a single control member for each grouping or combination of stops. Stated generally, the electrical network is shunted around the main stops A, B and C but, if desired, these stops or switches may be wired into the selector network.

As shown in Fig. l, the lead I I extends from the positive terminal of the current source G to one terminal of each of the switches A, B, C, and a negative lead I2 extends to each of the magnets Ma, Mb, and Mc. A plurality of rows of setting switches are provided, preferably with the individual switches vertically alined with the main switches A, B, and C. Three rows of switches are shown, but a greater or less number could be used, the three switches of the rst row which correspond to main switches A, B, and C being identied by numerals Ia, Ib and Ic, respectively, and corresponding switches of the other rows being identified by numerals 2a, 3a, etc. One terminal of each setting switch is connected to the positive lead I I by jumpers I3, and the other terminals of the switches are connected to the selector board or group of multiple switches.

The multiple switches, identified generally as M, I, II and III, each correspond to one combination, and the stops which will be brought into operation by the several multiple switches are determined, respectively, by the settings of the main switches A, B, C; and by the switches of the several rows. rIlhe multiple switch M or master plunger includes separate switches MA, MB and MC that have terminals serially connected to the several switches A, B and C by a group of leads I4A, IIIB, MC. The switches are of the type including two spaced terminals that are bridged across by a movable member to close the switch; the second terminals of the switches MA, MB and MC being connected to the several magnets Ma, Mb, Mc of the stop actions by leads I5a, I5b and I5c, respectively. Similarly, the several switches Ia, Ib, Ic of the multiple switch I have terminals connected to the normally open sides of the setting switches Ia, Ib and Ic of the first row by a group of leads I 5a, |61), I6c. The corresponding leads between the switches II and III, and the setting switches of the second and third rows are identified by numerals I'Ia, I8a, etc, The second terminals of switches Ia, IIa, IIIa of the master switches are connected to the lead I5a which extends to the magnet Ma; and the switches of the second and third rows of the multiple switches are similarly connected to the leads I5b and I5c of magnets Mb and Mc, respectively.

As will be explained hereinafter, the multiple switches are so designed that, under normal conditions, only one multiple switch will be closed at any time. Assuming this condition to exist, the operation of the stop-setting mechanism will be apparent from a consideration of the circuit diagram. 'I'he several circuits to each stop action include two series switches and therefore at least one setting switch and one multiple switch must be closed to operate a stop. The function of the multiple switches or selector panel is to transfer the control of the stops to the several rows of main and setting switches. The switches of each row may be set for any desired combinations of stops and, as illustrated, the main stop switch C has been closed and the player has set the combination of main switches A and C in the third row by closing switches 3a and 3c. Other combinations may be set by the switches of the rst and second rows. When multiple switch III of the selector is closed, as shown, the energizing circuits for magnets Ma and Mc are completed and these stops are actuated. When the master switch M is closed and switch III opened, only the magnet Mc is energized since only the main switch C is closed. Similarly, multiple switches I and II may be closed to operate the stops corresponding to switches which were previously closed in the first and second rows.

The physical embodiment of the invention that is illustrated in Figs 2, 3, and 4 provides a compact arrangement of switch operating members on the organ panel I9 and adjacent the stop tablets or pull buttons 20A, 20B and 20C which control the switches A, B and C, respectively. The pull buttons of the several setting switches Ia-3c are identified by reference numerals aI, z2-c2, c3, respectively, and these buttons are preferably arranged in horizontal rows with the switches of each row vertically alined with the stop tablets. The main stop switches and the s'veral setting switches are of the known organ type that is closed by pulling out the button or operating member. Colored felt washers 2l are customarily placed around the switch stems at the panel to prevent noise when the buttons are pushed in to open the switches. These washers come into view when the buttons are pulled out and thus provid-e the player a clear visual indication of the switches which are closed. 'I'he operating members for the several multiple switches are plungers 22 which extend through the panel board I9 and, preferably, are marked with characters M, I, etc., to indicate the master plunger and the combination plungers for the three rows of setting switches.

The selector assembly includes a base 23 on ,v

which the identical movable members 24 of the several switches are slidably mounted. Each slide 24 is pivotally connected at its outer end to its plunger 22, and is guided between bars 25 that are of slightly greater thickness than the slides 24 and are secured to the base 23. Upward movement of the slides is prevented by the straps 26 that extend across and are fixed to the bars 25. Springs 2'1 normally retain the slides and plungers in outward or switch-open position, and any slide that is pushed back is latched in switch-closed position by a leaf or plate 28 that is loosely pivoted in a recess 29 in the base 23. The plate 28 extends beneath all of the slides 24 and its rear edge is pressed upwardly by a spring or springs 3S to extend into transverse grooves 3| in the several slides. Each slide has a second groove or sharp edged notch 32 that receives the upper edge of the plate 28 when the slide is pushed back by its plunger. The rearward movement of any slide CII forces the plate 28 down and thus releases the plate from the latching notch 32 of the slide that was previously pushed in to close a multiple switch. This rearward movement of a slide will usually be continued to bring that slide into switch closed position but, if desired, the slide may be released by withdrawing the thumb from the plunger as soon as the latch plate 28 is depressed to free another slide, thus leaving all of the multiple switches in open position. Stops 33 are provided on each slide for engagement with buffers 34 on the rear strap 26 to prevent noise when the slides are moved forwardly by the springs 21.

Each switch of the selector assembly of multiple switches includes a pair of contacts 35, 36 that are xed to adjacent bars 25 and a rconducting member 31 on the slide that moves between those bars, the contacts 35, 36 extending over the slide in position to be bridged across by member 31 when the slide is pushed back. kThe wiping action of the bridge member 31 insures clean contact surfaces, and the double break at each open switch prevents the false operation of the stop actions by setting switches other than those that are wired to the closed multiple switch. The several contacts 35 of the series oi switches are selectively connected to the main switches A, B, C and the setting switches ict-3c, as shown in Fig. 1, and the contacts 36 of each row are connected to jumpers 38a, 38h, 38e to which the leads I5a, 15b, lc, respectively, are connected.

The manner in which the selective closing of the switches controls the operation of the stops has been described above, and the ease and certainty with which desired combinations may be brought into and out of action will be apparent from Figs. 2 and 3. All of the controi elements are conveniently located on the organ panel in view of the player and he can teil at a glance just which stops are associated with each of the thumb plungers 22. The several switches may be set before the power is turned on as nono of the moving parts of the control system is operated either electrically or pneumatically. The main or usual stops or stop tablets 26A, ZBB, 25C may be used in the customary manner by pressing in the master switch M, or a combination may be set on the stop tablets to supplement the combinations set upon the rows of setting switches. The several combinations may be changed at will while the organist plays either by changing one or more setting switches in a row that is inactive or, if desired, by changing switches in th-e row which is then connected to the stop actions by its associated plunger switch.

It is to be noted that the stop tablets 2BA, 20B, 20C may be left in either the on or off positions when the organist changes to one of the preselected combinations controlled by plunger switches I, II and III. It may be inconvenient or undesirable to alter the original wiring of the stop tablets when the combination stop-setter is to be added to an existing organ. In such cases, the master plunger switch M will r,be omitted but the remainder of the wiring will be identical with that shown in Fig. l. The stop tablets must be moved to ori position when a combination of stops is set by closing a plunger switch since the permanent wiring of the stop tablets to the stop actions corresponds to an operation of the Fig. l circuitrwith the master plunger switch M permanently closed.

It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to any particular number of rows of setting switches. The three illustrated rows will usually provide ample latitude for the setting of all combinations which may be desired as a row which was originally set for one combination may be quickly modified, either while iny use or after the organist has released it by pressing another plunger switch, to set a new combination. The direct coupling ci the multiple switches to their operating plungers is convenient and economical,

but these switches may be operated by remote control whenr it is necessary or desirable to locate them at a point removed from the organ panel.

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment herein illustrated and described, and that many changes may be made in the several parts, and in their design and lrelative locations without departing from the spirit of ymy invention as set forth in the following claims.

I claim: 1. In an electrically operated organ, the combination with a plurality of stop actions, a source of current, energizing circuits for connecting said stop actions to said current source, each energizing circuit including a stop-controlling switch,

of means operable independently of the condition of said stop-controlling switches for energizing a desired combination of said stop actions; said means comprising al setting switch for each stop action, a multiple switch including a plurality of simultaneously actuated selector switches, and circuit connections between the several stop actions and said current source, each circuit connection :Including a setting switch in series with a selector switch of said multiple switch.

2. The invention as claimed in claim 1, wherein said energizing circuits each include a second switch in series with the associated stop-'controlling switch, and said means includes means operable automatically with the closing of said multiple switch for opening the said second switches of the energizing circuits.

3.' In an organ, the combination with a plurality of stop actions, a source of current for energizing said stop actions, control means for each stop action including a switch in a circuit between rthat stop action and the source of current, and a stop tablet for operating said switches, of a combination stop-setter comprising a plu- 'i rality of groups of setting switches, each group including a setting switch for each stop action, and means selectively operable at will for transferring the control of said stop actions from the switches of said control means to the desired one of saidgroups of setting switches.y

4. An organ as claimed in claim 3, wherein said transfer means includes a multiple switch for said control means and for each of said groups of setting switches, said multiple switches including a switch in series with each switch of the associated control means or group of setting switches, and means operable upon the closing of each multiple switch for opening any previously closed multiple switch.

5. An organ as claimed in claim 3, wherein each setting switch includes means at the organ panel for moving the switch between open and closed positions.

6. In a pipe organ, the combination with a plurality of stop actions, and a plurality of groups of setting switches, each group including a setting switchr for each stop action, and a source of current for energizing said stop actions, of a selector assembly including a selector switch connected in series with each setting switch between said source of current and the stop actions correlated to the respective setting switches, and means comprising slides each carrying the relatively movable members of those selector switches connected to the setting switches of the several groups for simultaneously opening or closing the selector switches of any selected group of setting switches.

7. In an organ, the combination with a plurality of electrically-actuated stop actions, a stop tablet for each stop action, and switches operable between open and closed position by the respective stop tablets each switch being adapted for inclusion in an energizing circuit for the associated stop action, of a combination stop-setter comprising a setting switch for each stop action, and selector means manually operable to introduce into said energizing circuits the switches operated by said stop tablets or alternatively the respective setting switches.

8. In an organ, the combination with a plurality of electrically-actuated stop actions, a stop tablet for each stop action, and switches operable between open and closed position by the respective stop tablets each switch being adapted for inclusion in an energizing circuit for the associated stop action, of a combination stop-setter comprising a plurality of setting switches arranged in groups which each include a setting switch for each stop action, and manually controlled selector means for introducing into the respective energizing circuits either the several switches actuated by said stop tablets or the switches of any one desired group of said setting switches.

9. An organ as claimed in claim 7, wherein each setting switch includes operating means controllable from the organ bench for moving the setting switch between open and closed positions.

10. In an organ, the combination with a plurality of stop actions each having electricallycontrolled means operable to energize the stop action, and a source of current, of a combination stop-setter comprising a plurality of circuits connected in shunt between said source of current and the said energizing means of each stop action, said circuits being arranged in groups which each include one circuit for each energizing means, multiple switches selectively operable to open or to close simultaneously all circuits in any desired group, a setting switch in each of said circuits, and manually actuated means accessible at the organ console for moving each setting switch between open and closed positions.

11. An organ as claimed in claim 10, wherein each of said manually actuated means is movable between two positions corresponding to the open and the closed positions of the associated setting switch, whereby the relative positions of the said manually actuated means provide a visual indication oi the stop actions that will be energized by the selective closing oi' said multiple switches.

l2. An organ as claimed in claim 10, wherein each multiple switch includes a plunger slidable through the panel of the organ console, a slide connected to the plunger and carrying a contact for each circuit or the group associated with that slide, and sets of spaced contact terminals cooperating with each contact of the slide to form double-break switches in the associated circuits.

13. In an organ, an electrical system for connection between a source of current and a plurality of stop actions, said system comprising a plurality of circuits connected between each stop action and the source of current, said circuits being arranged in groups each including one circuit for each stop action, a multiple switch for each group of circuits and operable simultaneously to open or to close all circuits of that group, means operable upon the movement of any multiple switch to circuit-closing position automatically to return all other multiple switches to circuit-opening position, and switch means in each circuit for determining those stop actions which will be actuated by the movement of the respective multiple switches to closed position.

14. In an organ, the combination with a plurality of electrically-operated stop actions, a stop tablet for each stop action, and electrical circuits to each stop action including a switch controlled by the associated stop tablet, of a combination stop-setter comprising a setting switch for each stop action, and a multiple switch assembly including a switch in series with each of said setting switches and its associated stop action, said setting switches and multiple switch assembly each including means operable from the organ bench for actuating the same.

15. In an organ, the combination with a plurality of stop actions, and a source of current for energizing the same, of a combination stop setter comprising a plurality of groups of setting switches, each group including one switch for each stop action, a multiple switch assembly for each group of setting switches, each multiple switch assembly including one selector switch in series with each setting switch of the associated group, means for setting each multiple switch assembly to close all selector switches thereof simultaneously, and means operative automatically upon such setting of any multiple switch assembly to restore any previously-set multiple switch assembly to switch-open position.

16. In an electrically-operated pipe organ, a combination stop-setter of the type including a plurality of groups of setting switches, each group including a switch for each of a plurality of the organ stop actions,` and a multiple switch assembly for each of said groups and including a selector switch in series with each setting switch of that group; characterized by the fact that means for operating each setting switch and for operating each multiple switch assembly are located at the organ console and operable by the organist either before or during the playing of the organ.

1'7. In a pipe organ, the combination with a plurality of stop actions, and a source of current for energizing the same, of a plurality of setting switches each having an operating member 1ocated at the organ console, said operating members being arranged in a plurality of vertically alined rows which each include an operating means corresponding to each stop action, and selecting means at the organ console operable to connect the setting switches associated with a desired row of operating members between said source of current and the respective stop action.

18. A pipe organ as claimed in claim 17, wherein each setting switch includes a pair of spaced terminals, and a bridging contact controlled by the operating member of that switch.

19. A pipe organ as claimed in claim 1'7, wherein said selecting means includes a switch slide for each row of operating members and carrying a bridging contact for each operating member in that row, a plurality of pairs of spaced contacts cooperating with the several bridging contacts to form double-break switches, circuit elements connecting the normally open terminals of the setting switches of the several rows to one contact of the respective pairs associated with a given slide, and circuit elements connecting the second contact of each pair associated with a given slide to the respective stop actions.

2-0. In an organ, the combination with a plurality of stop actions, a plurality of setting 10 switches for each stop action, a plurality of thumb plunger switch mechanisms, and wiring connections associating each thumb plunger switch mechanism with setting switches corresponding to a plurality of different stop actions, of means for latchlng in switchclosed position each of said thumb plunger switch mechanisms when the same is closed by manually pressing in the thumb plunger, and means for releasing said latching means.

CHARLES S. NORBURN. 

